Michele Ott

Dakota Dunes, South Dakota has beautiful homes in a gorgeous setting. Dakota Dunes is a planned community where careful attention is taken when designing homes. Homes are designed to blend in with the natural beauty of the area. The Dunes has something for everyone when it comes to housing, such as, building sites, homes, townhomes and upscale apartments. During the last ten years the Dunes has become home to 75 businesses. With the Missouri river close by and other recreation activities in the area this is a great place to live. To view homes currently on the market, click here.

Dakota Dunes has the Dakota Dunes Country Club and the Two Rivers Golf Course. With Sioux City nearby there are plenty of things to do. Weekly summer concerts, the Art Center, Tyson Events Center to catch a concert or watching a Minor League Baseball game. To the north is Sioux Falls and south lies Omaha Nebraska.

Dakota Valley Elementary School

Dakota Valley Middle School
With low student to teacher ratios, students are well prepared for their high school years.

Dakota Valley High School
Dakota Valley High School has a student centered staff and a comprehensive curriculum.

To find out more about the public schools in Dakota Dunes South Dakota, click here.

There are also economic advantages:

No local sales tax
No corporate income tax
No personal property tax
No business inventory tax
No inheritance tax
No personal income tax

If Hyperion Resources get the final approval to build in Elk Point South Dakota, the Dunes are within a few minutes' drive. Here is another great area to raise a family in South Dakota.

Click here, to view Michele's website.

Vermillion South Dakota is located in the south east comer of the state. It is within a short drive of where Hyperion Resources has decided to build an oil refinery. Vermillion is located on the Missouri River. It was visited by Lewis and Clark in August 1804. This are for many years had been home to the Yankton Sioux Indians. In 1843 John J Audubon stopped here to view the abundance of bird life. Settlers and Homesteaders started arriving in 1859. Today Vermillion offers a University, golf course's, recreation and a great place to live.

Area Attractions:

Oscar Howe Gallery, Austin-Whittemore Museum, W. H. Over Museum, and the Dakota Dome.

Lodging:

Comfort Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Super 8, Home Towne Inn, Travelodge, and Valiant Vineyards B&B. Yes, there is a winery.

Retail:

Walmart, True Value Hardware, Slumberland, Hy- Vee Grocery Store, and Dakota PC Warehouse just to name a few.

Restuarants, Pubs and fast food:

Burger King, Taco John's, Dominos Pizza, Varsity Pub, and Coffee Shop Gallery to name a few.

The Population of Vermillion is just over 10,000.

Estimated median household income is around: $28,000.

Estimated median house is around: $88,200. For information on homes currently on the market, click here.

Vermillion is 40 miles north of Sioux City Iowa.

For information on University of South Dakota, Vermillion:

http://www.usd.edu/

For information on the Clay County Fair:

http://www.claycountyfair.net/

For information on the Vermillion school district:

http://www.vermillion.k12.sd.us/

Vermillion Chamber of Commerce. This site has a lot of information

http://www.vermillionchamber.com/

City of Vermillion website:

http://www.vermillion.us/

Moving is an ordeal that most of us would rather not do. If you are lucky enough to have your move paid for by your company, this is ideal situation to be in. Most times the company that is paying for the move will ask you to get at least two estimates. When the moving company comes to do the estimates ask what it entails when they come into your home to move you? My movers were great and did all the work. All I had to do was stay out of the way.

If you are moving yourself get estimates from truck rental companies. Also I would advise that ahead of time start getting boxes, and any materials to wrap breakables. Wardrobe boxes make it very easy to move your clothes from your closet. They are a little pricey but worth it. I used mine then sold them to someone.

This is something that most forget to do and that is get together a file with documents you will need during and after your move. Have your child's old school information, which will be needed by their new school. Insurance documents, doctor information, vehicle registration/title, passports, veterinary records, anything that will be needed to get things going in your new location. Just remember not to pack them.

Here is a list of things that need to be done. There may be things you will want to add to it.

• Obtain and fill out post office change-of-address cards.
• Make arrangements for storage if necessary.
• Properly dispose of items that cannot be moved, such as flammable liquids.
• Return any borrowed items (including library books) and retrieve any loaned items.
• Settle any bills with local businesses.
• Drain power equipment of oil and gas. Drain water hoses.
• Pack a box of items that will be needed first at the new house. Clearly mark this box "Load Last."
• Pack a suitcase with clothes and toiletries that will be needed during your move.
• Notify all utilities: water, garbage, electric, gas and sewer, both at your old residence and new.
• Stop phone service and start new service at your new home. Also your cable/satellite company should be notified and possible set up a time to start your service in your new home.
• Arrange for a house cleaning at your old home once empty. Have your new home cleaned before moving in, if it wasn't done by the previous owners.
• And remember; keep your receipts for your move. It is a tax write off.

Moving Companies:

http://www.vanlines.com/

http://www.asapvanlines.com/

http://www.bekins.com/moving/

http://www.mayflower.com/

These are just a few companies. There are many resources online for "moving".

In continuing my blogs about relocation to South Dakota for the jobs that will be generated by Hyperion Resources, Vermillion South Dakota will be my next community I will talk about.

To view homes currently on the market in South Dakota, Iowa or Nebraska, click here.

Thanks for reading,

Named one of the "Best Place to live in Rural America", Elk Point, SD, is a community of 1,855 located 15 miles from Sioux City, Iowa on Interstate 29. The Lewis & Clark Expedition made camp in or near Elk Point in August 1804. Elk Point was first settled in 1859, making this community one of the oldest in South Dakota. Elk Point is located in Union County.

Elk Point experienced a resurgence of growth in the 1990s due to an energized business climate along the 75-mile stretch of Interstate 29 between Sioux City and Sioux Falls, SD. Now with Hyperion Resources, resurgence is on its way again. Within the last decade Elk Point can boast of a new Wel-Life Center for independent senior citizens, a new housing development designed for over 300 new homes, a new 400,000-gallon water tower, and a new $8 million public school designed to meet educational goals of the 21st Century.

Churches in Elk Point:
St. Joseph Catholic Church
First Baptist Church
Brule Creek Lutheran Church
Immanuel Lutheran Church
St. Paul Lutheran Church
United Parish

Restaurants:

Edgar's Ol' Fashioned Soda Fountain & Gift Shop

Paces Late Night Pub

Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant

Ollies Drive Inn

Retail:

Pioneer Drug

True Value Hardware

Jones Food Center

Bloom Where You Planted

Pixie Hair Salon

Radiance Hair Design

Gary's Tree Service

Jeff's Lawn Care

K & K Mobile Storage

Finance:

First Federal Bank

Valley Bank

State Farm Insurance

Rubida Insurance & Real Estate

Valley Insurance

There are four law offices in Elk Point.

Health Care:

Johnson Chiropractic

Community Health Clinic

Wel-Life Assisted Living Center

Jim Slattery Dentistry

Schools:

Elk Point - Jefferson School District

Website: http://www.epj.k12.sd.us

Demographics:

Average household size: 2.44

Median age: 36.5

Number of Households: 1180

Income:

Median Household Income: $48,500

Average Household Income: $53,140

Sales Tax Rate: 6.00%

What your dollar will buy in Elk Point, South Dakota:

$275,000 will get you 4.6 acres, 3 Bed / 3 Bath, Total Sq. Ft. is 2652. Totally Restored 2 story from studs to oak floors. Terrific building with room for 6 cars plus living quarters, and huge workshop.

$122,000 will get you .22 acre, 3 Bed/ 2.5 Bath, Total Sq. Ft. is 1680.

To check out homes currently on the market, click here.

Utility Contacts:

There are a number of websites out on the internet that will give you cost of living comparisons. One of my favorite sites to use, click here.

The Sioux City Journal has a blog in reference to Hyperion Resources. To read this blog, click here.

Cherokee Iowa is one of my favorite towns. It lies east of Sioux City about 65 miles. The first time I drove through Cherokee heading north I though it a quaint little town. The downtown is done nicely and reminds me of a time gone by. There are nice little shops up and down the main street.

The town of Cherokee has a few parks and the crown jewel of the city park system is beautiful Spring Lake Park, located along Hwy. 59 South. This park has 40 camping spaces with electrical, water and sewer hookups, shower and restroom facilities, asphalt paved walking/jogging trail, modern playground equipment, paddle boats, fishing and many shelter facilities including the Spring Lake Yacht Club. Directly across the highway is Wescott Park, which contains ball diamonds, concession stand and restroom facilities.

Since I am a swimmer I am always interested in places to swim. Cherokee has the Bacon Aquatic Center. The Bacon Aquatic Center opens during the summer months. The hours are from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. each day, weekends included. Daily admission is $4.00, (age 2 and younger are free with a paid adult). Family season pass are available. This is a great way to spend those hot summer days with the kids, or without.

There is also a public library in the town of Cherokee. Also a regional airport is located in Cherokee.

Some of the events in Cherokee:

42nd Annual Cherokee PRCA Rodeo. Performances at 7:30 PM each evening at the Cherokee County Fairgrounds. May 29 - 31, 2008.

Cherokee County Fair for 2008 will be held, July 10 to the 13^th.

Cherokee Jazz and Blues Festival are usually held in January.

There are many activities and opportunities to enjoy many things, such as: American Theatre, Art Council, Cherokee Community Theatre, Cherokee Symphony, Sanford Museum and Planetarium.

Recreation Activities:

Country Club Golf Course, Little League, Municipal Pool, Cherokee Clippers Swim Team, Hershey Youth Track and Field Meet, Outdoor Fun Fair, Indoor Volleyball, Basketball league, Future Braves Flag Football, Adult Slow Pitch Softball, Bowling, and Archery.

Cherokee is a great town to raise a family. It is a safe town where kids can be kids. There are good schools in Cherokee. The neigborhoods are lined with big trees. CHildren can be seen riding there bikes or running around with friends. To find out more about homes currently on the market, click here.

Population of Cherokee Iowa is about 5,000.

Estimated median household income $34,100 (it was $31,240 in 2000).

Estimated median house value in 2005: $64,600.

Website for Cherokee Iowa: http://www.cherokeeiowa.net

Website for the Chamber of Commerce: http://www.cherokeeiowachamber.com